The Tabernacle: A Congregational Call to Work

Preached by Sister Ward

April 9, 2025

Wednesday Evening Service

Introduction: Stirring Ourselves to Build

Sister Ward began her message with a straightforward and heartfelt tone, familiar to those who know her well. She didn’t bring critique, but a challenge—a call to rise to the next level as individuals and as a congregation. She reminded everyone that none of us have arrived at perfection. “There is always room for improvement,” she said, urging saints to resist complacency and be stirred, both spiritually and practically.

Using the story of King Josiah, she introduced the theme: compliance isn’t enough; transformation requires the heart. Josiah, though zealous in reforming Israel, couldn’t stop the coming judgment because the people’s hearts hadn’t changed. In the same way, God’s work today can’t be carried on by mere compliance—He needs willing, burdened hearts.

Biblical Foundation: God’s Pattern and God’s People

Turning to Exodus 31 and 35, Sister Ward highlighted how God didn’t expect Moses to build the tabernacle alone. He chose and empowered individuals—like Bezaleel and Aholiab—giving them wisdom and skill. But their ability wasn’t just for them; it was for building the tabernacle together. Moses, a Levite, worked alongside men from other tribes, proving that this was a congregational work, not just a priestly one.

She emphasized the heart of the matter: those who built the tabernacle had willing hearts. “God doesn’t want just compliance,” she stated. “He’s looking for burdened hearts ready to work.” Whether crafting gold or spinning thread, the workers were spiritually motivated and practically engaged. Their manual labor was their ministry.

The Reality of Building: From Blueprint to Backache

Here, Sister Ward brought the message into vivid reality. She began painting a picture—literally—of the sheer magnitude of the original tabernacle. Using measurements from the Bible, she helped the congregation visualize the effort:

• Fifty-four boards made from hard acacia wood—each board 27 inches wide and 15 feet tall. She pointed to the peak of the sanctuary’s ceiling to show just how tall that is.

• She described the intricate, finely woven linen that had 72 threads per square inch in one direction, and 152 in the other—used to create 10 massive curtains, each 6 feet wide and 42 feet long. She had measured the aisle and sanctuary so we could visualize this.

• “This was not flimsy fabric,” she explained. “It had cherubim woven into it. Imagine how much time, how many hours of detailed work that took!”

All of this manual labor—cutting trees, milling wood, weaving thread, embroidering cherubim—was done by people just like us. Men and women with children, families, pregnancies, and life’s demands. “But they had hearts stirred to work for God,” she emphasized. “No matter how long it took.”

Application: What It Means for Us Today

From biblical example to present-day practice, Sister Ward made it plain: working for God goes beyond singing and attending church. It’s more than worship. It’s work. Real, practical, sometimes sweaty, and unrecognized labor.

She used a modern tabernacle: camp meeting kitchen duty.

She shared the unseen stress Sister Rebecca bears in preparing meals for camp meetings. “She’s been working on this since after Christmas,” she said. “And saints, that includes nightmares—real, vivid nightmares—of running out of food.”

The preparation starts early—squeezing lemons in February for lemonade in April. It’s a massive mental and physical load. During camp meeting, Sister Rebecca starts at 8:30 or 9:00 a.m. and is on her feet all day. While saints enjoy the evening service, she’s mentally calculating leftovers and adjusting menus for tomorrow.

“She’s not just standing in the kitchen,” Sister Ward clarified. “She’s watching the food line, managing portions, worrying if there’s enough, running calculations—all while smiling.”

Sister Ward remembered one day after camp meeting when she wandered through Target, realizing for the first time in weeks, she wasn’t shopping for the church. “It felt like freedom,” she said with a laugh.

Personal Testimony: A Life of Service

Sister Ward reminded the congregation of her own journey—not to boast, but to bear witness. “Most of you only know me as the pastor’s wife,” she said, “but that’s only been 18 years.” Before that:

• She was a Sunday school teacher for 20 years.

• She played piano for 25 years.

• She helped lead the youth group.

• She worked in the kitchen for 30 years.

Often, these roles overlapped. She had young children, but never wanted them to be her excuse for not working for God. Instead, they became her co-laborers. “It instilled in them that working for God matters,” she said.

The Tabernacle Today: Picking Up the Baton

She warned of what happens when burdened workers “lay down the baton” and no one picks it up: parts of the congregation die off. “We can’t let that happen,” she said passionately. “Someone has to pick it up and run.”

She called attention to the physical, mental, and emotional weight of laboring in the church. Whether organizing meals, cleaning up, or managing guest evangelists, these are the realities of building God’s house. And they’re not optional—they’re the modern equivalent of cutting boards and weaving linen.

A Challenge to the Saints: Wake Up, Step In, Work Hard

She didn’t hold back. “Sisters,” she said, “only 30% of the dessert list is complete, and camp meeting is in 11 days.” She addressed procrastination and excuses with direct but loving humor, comparing late dessert deliveries to people who ignore lane closure signs on the freeway—cutting in last minute.

“Working for God is inconvenient,” she admitted. “It costs you time. It costs you sleep. But it’s worth it.”

She called on young mothers, busy families, and every age group to do their part. “Don’t say you’ll serve God when life settles down. That day may never come. Start now.”

A Word to the Youth: Hold Fast Your Heart

She ended with a word to the young people: have your own deep, personal experience with God. She shared the story of a young person who said it was too hard to live for God in high school. They planned to get saved after graduation. Decades later, they’re still unsaved.

“Whatever the deepest desire in your heart is,” she said, “that’s what will win out.”

Scripture Reference List

1. Exodus 31:1–6 – God calls Bezaleel and Aholiab to craft the tabernacle, symbolizing divine empowerment for labor in God’s work.

2. Exodus 35:4–26 – The people of Israel willingly offer materials and labor, setting an example of communal commitment.

3. Ecclesiastes 4:9 – “Two are better than one…” emphasizes shared burdens and collaborative service.

4. Galatians 6:2 – “Bear ye one another’s burdens…” confirms that support extends beyond spiritual to physical needs.

5. Colossians 3:17 – A call to do all things “in the name of the Lord,” affirming every act as a form of worship.

6. Hebrews 10:24–25 – Stresses community, fellowship, and mutual edification—key to strong congregational life.

7. Luke 16:10 – “He that is faithful in that which is least…” encourages diligence in seemingly small tasks.

Conclusion: Every Board Matters

Building the tabernacle wasn’t spiritual only—it was spiritual and practical. So is building the Church of God today. Whether you change lightbulbs, greet visitors, host evangelists, prepare meals, or clean restrooms—you are part of a holy work.

She closed with scripture and encouragement:

• “Two are better than one…” (Ecclesiastes 4:9)

• “Bear ye one another’s burdens…” (Galatians 6:2)

• “Do all in the name of the Lord Jesus…” (Colossians 3:17)

• “He that is faithful in least…” (Luke 16:10)

“Let’s build this tabernacle together.”